Can We Trust Joel Embiid To Stay Healthy In The NBA Playoffs?
Earlier today on Kincade And Salciunas, an important question was asked: can we trust Joel Embiid to stay healthy as the Philadelphia 76ers draw closer to the NBA playoffs? The reigning MVP’s injury history would show you that this is a fair question. As you can see in the above clip, John Kincade poses the question as a result of Joel Embiid being listed as “questionable” for today’s game. It does seem understandable, though, as Andrew Salciunas points out, that considering Embiid has missed substantial time as he recovered from knee surgery, that he would not be assured of playing in consecutive games.
This is not the only debate surrounding the Sixers’ big man, though. As the conversation continues, the guys begin to debate what level Embiid needs to be functioning at in order for the Sixers to have a chance. In fact, I believe the Sixers are actually closer than both John and Andrew are giving them credit for. Joel Embiid has rarely, if ever, been fully healthy in the postseason, and yet, this year he seems to be fresh, even if a little out of game shape. Cardio will come, though, and with extended time off before his return to play earlier this week, this could be just what the doctor ordered in order to give the Sixers the best chance at keeping Embiid healthy throughout the postseason.
It’s a tall task, and maybe an unfair one to ask the organization for considering Embiid’s injury history, but it’s the only way the Sixers will be able to compete. They don’t just need Joel Embiid to be healthy; they need Joel Embiid to be healthy AND playing at the highest level he’s ever played at this time of year. If things break the Sixers’ way, they just might get both.